Local officials from London, Ontario, and surrounding counties are gearing up to advocate for enhanced passenger rail services at an upcoming meeting with the Ontario government in Toronto. The push for improved rail connectivity will involve representatives from Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford counties, coming together during the Rural Ontario Municipalities (ROMA) Conference starting on January 18.
The primary focus of the initiative is to bolster the speed and frequency of passenger trains in the region. However, the effort faces challenges due to the current state of tracks and ownership issues. Via Rail operates in Southwestern Ontario, where the tracks are owned by CN Rail, leading to freight trains having priority, affecting the punctuality of passenger services.
Recent data indicates that only 51% of Via Rail trains were on time in 2024, a percentage that dropped to 33% in the third quarter of 2025. Concerns have been raised about CN imposing speed restrictions at rail crossings, affecting the efficiency of Via’s operations.
Calls have been made in the past to prioritize passenger rail traffic over freight, with proposals like a private members bill in 2021, although it did not progress due to the election. The London Chamber of Commerce has also voiced support for provincial action to improve passenger rail services, emphasizing the economic benefits such enhancements could bring to the region.
London’s Master Mobility Plan outlines strategic goals to collaborate with higher levels of government to enhance passenger rail services, reflecting the sentiment that dedicated passenger rail could have a transformative impact on Southwestern Ontario’s economic landscape.
The meeting at the ROMA Conference presents an opportunity to engage with the province and federal government in advocating for better rail services. While high-speed rail discussions are not the immediate focus, interim measures to address speed limitations in passenger rail travel are being considered to facilitate progress in the sector.
